Italy. We met in Italy, we courted in Italy - but we both fell deeply in love with Italy before we fell in love with each other. And this brings me to my news that I have been so looking forward to sharing with you - we are returning to Italy. We have always held on to a beautiful dream that maybe - one day - we could move our family to Rome - raise the children among the spiritual relics of an ancient civilization - one that shaped the world and would surely shape theirs. But it was only a month ago that my husband looked me in the eye and asked me quite seriously, "What are we waiting for?" It was at that moment, sitting on the couch in the living room, the girls rolling around in a pool of giggles at our feet that I saw our life changing - forever. It was delightfully terrifying.
So here we are - the movers are scheduled to pack up our little home at the end of the month, the house goes on the market at the beginning of next month and we are off to make camp with my parents while we fulfill numerous Stateside commitments for the next eight months. And of course there are the Visas, finding an apartment in Rome - which we must do before applying for the Visas - and various dramas and excitements that accompany such a life change.
Nectar & Light will be here - I hope to share in words and soft, light-infused images where this journey will take us. We may be there for the rest of our lives - we may come home next year and say "Oh my goodness - wasn't that wonderful!" - whatever shall happen, I know that it will be full of light and love...
xoox~jla
ahhh, i love it! - i can put myself completely in your shoes jen, and that feeling is *thrilling*!!
congratulations! ★★★ will you be learning italian? (or do you already know some?)
Posted by: jenny | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 11:15 PM
wow! this is big, exciting news. i wish you and your family the best of luck in this undertaking!
Posted by: amanda | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 11:15 PM
i've never been to Italy but i am sure it's one of the greatest places to live in!
wish you and your family all the best and don't you stop writing this blog (and adie's) during/after your move!! hahah!!
Posted by: joanna | Monday, 10 March 2008 at 11:46 PM
That is so AMAZING. How courageous. I can't wait to see and read all about it.
Posted by: Jen | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 12:38 AM
How exciting! I look forward to reading along. I've always wanted to visit Italy (and will sometime soon). I'm moving to The Netherlands in July (so I can marry a fantastic Dutch guy)!
Posted by: Sarah | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 01:28 AM
oh deja vu! i decided that after I graduated I would move to paris..why not? it might not be for long, im not putting an end date on it, it will just be what it is
so now i'm getting ready (i leave at the beginning of may!)..eu passport, practising my french, a job, some study, a home..i can't wait, there is nothing more thrilling no?
Posted by: marie | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 02:14 AM
hi jen, so nice and couragous! i have italy envy :) living in such a beautiful country is a lovely thought. can't wait to hear your tales :) i whish you any luck around for you and your family on the move!
Posted by: anne | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 03:54 AM
how wonderful! Italy feels like a second home to me, after 10 years with my ex (who was Italian :) It's going to be an amazing adventure!
Posted by: susannah | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 07:55 AM
so wonderful - how great that you're following your dreams and going for it. congratulations!
Posted by: lottie | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 07:59 AM
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anissamyers/2188865469/in/set-72157603704968341/
The wine. The gelatto. The pizza. The pasta. The sights. The lemon trees. The history. The people...
Italy is so very lovely, one of my favourite places to visit. What an amazing experience you will have living there!!
Enjoy your Roman adventure, Jennifer.
Posted by: Anissa Myers | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 09:48 AM
Wow! That is wonderful! I can't wait to hear about it...
Posted by: bronwyn | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 10:18 AM
how exciting!
Posted by: Kelly | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 10:23 AM
I’ve been viewing your site and photography for the past few weeks; you have beautifully introduced me to the wonders of Polaroid photography. I always knew i wanted to photograph my journey through life and now i have a more definite direction. I clicked on the email link to email you direct but my computer is wacky and won't open it; could you please email me some info on getting started taking Polaroid’s, even a beginning’s web site or book you would recommend and what camera you would recommend for a starting off. Thanks for sharing your work! Maria
Posted by: maria | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 10:24 AM
Jen, this is truly amazing! I am in awe of your family's bravery and sense of adventure. If we could pick up and move abroad for a time we totally would! I am so excited for you!
Posted by: Rachel | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 10:44 AM
such a lovely and wonderful thing, I took a deep breathe in when I read your words that your husband said" "what are we waiting for" Indeed! What are we all waiting for? Have a lovely, beautiful and awesome adventure!
Posted by: Liz | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 11:11 AM
Jennifer I am so excited for you! What a wonderful surprise! I know how you feel. My family is going to be leaving the states within a year and moving to Scotland. We have loved Scotland ever since we could remember and now we finally looked at each other and said "Why not?" I am happy for you and your family and to watch it unwind on your blog!
Emily
http://duluthstarofthenorth.blogspot.com
Posted by: Emily | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 11:46 AM
Jennifer I am so excited for you! What a wonderful surprise! I know how you feel. My family is going to be leaving the states within a year and moving to Scotland. We have loved Scotland ever since we could remember and now we finally looked at each other and said "Why not?" I am happy for you and your family and to watch it unwind on your blog!
Emily
http://duluthstarofthenorth.blogspot.com
Posted by: Emily | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 11:47 AM
AMAZING NEWS! I am sooo over joyed for you, what a lovely oppurtunity for your family!! I can not wait to see your photographs in roman light!!!!
Posted by: sara | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 12:05 PM
AMAZING NEWS! I am sooo over joyed for you, what a lovely oppurtunity for your family!! I can not wait to see your photographs in roman light!!!!
Posted by: sara | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 12:06 PM
Wow! So exciting! What a courageous and inspiring thing to do! All the VERY best as you begin this journey. I, for one, am so excited to see this journey reflected in your work. We will be the happy recipients! Congratulations!
xo
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Brown | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 12:18 PM
I fell in love with Italy when I studied in Florence a two years ago. As an aspiring photographer/artist and italophile I often dream of living there after college. Its a wonderful thought but also very scary and overwhelming. I look forward to following your journey during this calling.
Best wishes!
Posted by: Sarah | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 12:52 PM
congratulations on such a wonderful decision. it takes much courage to do what we truly want and I celebrate you and your husband in yours.
Posted by: joetta maue | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 01:00 PM
wow.
what an amazing adventure.
wishing you and your family all the best!
Posted by: melissa deakin | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 03:53 PM
I don't even have to tell you how excited I am for you and your family. I hope we can join you someday soon (or at least be in near proximity!) It will be a truly gorgeous adventure for you!
Posted by: Anna | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 04:36 PM
Oh my GOSH! How exciting! What an amazing family adventure. I'm envious and thrilled for you. Way to be bold!
Posted by: Stephanie | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 04:45 PM